TRENTON -- Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts formally announced this afternoon that he will not seek re-election this fall, calling it "a very emotional day" as he begins to shut the door on a 22-year career in the Legislature.

Roberts all but foreclosed the possibility of seeking his district's state Senate seat, which is expected to become open next year if state Sen. Dana Redd (D-Camden) is elected mayor of Camden. Roberts called it "highly unlikely" that he would compete for the seat and said it is time to "take a break" from elected office.

Robert Sciarrino/The Star-LedgerAssembly Speaker Joseph Roberts holds a press conference today at his State House office where he announced he will not seek re-election.

"You've got to know when to say when," Roberts said during a news conference at the Statehouse. He said he is not yet sure about his next move, but would like to remain engaged in public policy on statewide issues like affordable housing and property taxes.

"I really care about this stuff," he said.

Roberts said Donald Norcross, a labor leader and co-chairman of the Camden County Democratic committee, "has my full support" to replace him on the Assembly ballot this fall, but said the final choice of a candidate will be made by the committee within the next few weeks.

Roberts said he has known for "at least a couple of years, and maybe longer than that" that this would be his last term as speaker. He said he will work diligently into "the wee hours" of Jan. 11, the day before the Legislature reorganizes.

"When the new Legislature is sworn in on Jan. 12, I'll be sleeping in," Roberts said. "I'm leaving sort of on my own terms, and that's always good in this business."

Roberts declined to endorse a successor to lead the lower house, saying there are "at least half a dozen extraordinary lawmakers" who would be qualified, and "that's a decision that should be made by the caucus." Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer), Assemblyman Joseph Cryan (D-Union) and Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex) are among those said to be interested in the post.

Roberts also declined to comment on the implications for the state Senate, where there is expected to be a fight for the Senate presidency between Senate President Richard Codey (D-Essex) and Senate Majority Leader Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester).

Roberts said he doubts his departure will have much of an impact on the governor's race, where Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine is trying to keep his seat against Republican challenger Chris Christie. He said he remains "absolutely committed" to the Assembly races this fall. Democrats are trying to preserve a 48-32 majority in the lower house. The party also controls the Senate, which is not up for election this year.